A new season of the PGG Wrightson / Vetmed National Shearing Circuit gets underway in October, setting some of New Zealand’s best shearers on a five-round journey that will test their skill across the country and across five different wool types.

The first points of the 2026/27 PGG Wrightson / Vetmed National Shearing Circuit will be up for grabs at the New Zealand Merino Shears in Alexandra on 2 and 3 October.

From there, competitors will make their way through five qualifying rounds, each presenting a different challenge and a different wool type, before the top performers earn their place at the Golden Shears in Masterton in March.

It is this format that makes the National Shearing Circuit such a unique test.

Rather than rewarding a shearer’s ability on one particular breed or wool type, the Circuit demands versatility. Competitors must adapt their technique as they move from fine wool Merinos in Central Otago to Romney full wool at Waimate, Corriedales in Christchurch, Romney lambs at Marton and Romney second shear at Pahiatua.

By the time the finalists reach Masterton, they have been tested across a broad cross-section of New Zealand wool.

The Circuit begins with one of its most distinctive challenges.

Held in Alexandra, the New Zealand Merino Shears is dedicated to fine wool shearing and attracts competitors from throughout New Zealand and overseas.

Merino sheep present a very different challenge to the crossbred sheep many shearers encounter during their day-to-day work. The combination of fine wool, heavier fleeces and wrinkled skin requires skill, patience and precision, making Alexandra a fitting place to begin the search for New Zealand’s most versatile competitive shearer.

Just one week later, attention moves to the Waimate Spring Shears on 9 and 10 October and the second round of the Circuit, where competitors swap Merinos for Romney full wool.

The Canterbury A&P Show follows in November, before the Circuit resumes in the North Island in February with rounds at Marton and Pahiatua.

Points accumulated across those five events ultimately determine who progresses to the semifinals at the Golden Shears.

A new title race begins
Among those heading into the new season with a target on his back will be reigning champion Jack Fagan.

The Te Kuiti shearer claimed his first PGG Wrightson / Vetmed National Shearing Circuit title in March after more than a decade of chasing it.

It was his fourth appearance in the final and the culmination of a season in which he finished top of the Circuit, semifinal and final.

For Jack, who has spent years shearing throughout New Zealand and around the world, that experience across different breeds and wool types proved invaluable.

“That’s why I’ve travelled so much. You get exposed to so many different breeds of sheep and so many different wool types,” he said following his win.

His victory also continued a remarkable family connection with the competition. Jack’s father, Sir David Fagan, won the National Shearing Circuit nine times.

“My dad won the title nine times but was gutted he couldn’t crack the 10. So I like to think we got the 10 between us,” Jack said.

With the 2025/26 title now decided, however, the points return to zero and the challenge begins again.

For competitors, the months ahead will mean thousands of sheep shorn both at work and in competition, countless kilometres travelled and five opportunities to prove they have what it takes across very different conditions.

For the wider wool industry, the Circuit is also an opportunity to celebrate the skill that sits at the very beginning of the wool supply chain.
Shearing is about considerably more than removing a fleece quickly. The skill and care shown in the shearing shed contributes to animal welfare, wool quality and the preparation of a fibre that will ultimately make its way from New Zealand farms to manufacturers and consumers around the world.

PGG Wrightson General Manager Wool Rachel Shearer says the Circuit provides an opportunity to recognise that skill while supporting both established and emerging talent within the industry.

“Behind every wool product is a highly skilled team, and a crucial step is in the shearing shed. The way wool is harvested and handled has a direct impact on its quality, and ultimately the price growers receive.”

When the handpieces fire up in Alexandra this October, another season of that skill will be on display.

Five wool types. Five qualifying rounds. One place at the top.

The road to the 2027 Golden Shears starts here.

2026/27 PGG Wrightson / Vetmed National Shearing Circuit

2–3 October | Alexandra
New Zealand Merino Shears – Merino

9–10 October | Waimate
Waimate Spring Shears – Romney full wool

12–13 November | Christchurch
Canterbury A&P Show – Corriedale

7 February | Marton
Rangitikei Shearing Sports – Romney lambs

28 February | Pahiatua
Pahiatua Shears – Romney second shear

4–6 March | Masterton
Golden Shears – Semifinals and final